During a joint press conference with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that the United States is prepared to deploy additional ships off the coast of Israel if necessary. This announcement comes as the US strike group “Gerald Ford” is currently stationed in the region, led by the world’s largest aircraft carrier.
“We have sent squadrons of fighter jets to the Middle East, and the US Department of Defense is fully prepared to deploy additional forces and resources [for Israel] if needed,” Austin added.
On October 13, the US Secretary of Defense arrived in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv for a working visit. According to The Associated Press, Austin has planned several meetings with high-ranking officials of the country and will inspect American weaponry. This includes the equipment that the US promptly provided to Israel in the early days of the conflict escalation.
On the same day, it was also revealed that Washington plans to supply the Israeli army with air defense systems, ammunition, and artillery. Defense News, citing a source in the US defense department, reported that the country’s authorities will also consider Israel’s request for an additional “Iron Dome” system.
Previously, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that his country would stand up for Israel in the event of an attack by other states.
